JP6971864B2 - How to make a belt - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a belt, a blood pressure measuring device, and a method for manufacturing a belt.

In recent years, a blood pressure measuring device used for measuring blood pressure has been used as a means for confirming a health condition not only in medical equipment but also in the home.

For example, the blood pressure measuring device includes a device body, a belt, a carla, a cuff structure, and a fluid circuit.

The main body of the device comprises, for example, a fluid flow path, a pump for supplying the fluid, and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure. The belt includes, for example, a first belt extending to one side of the device body and a second belt extending to the other side of the device body. The first belt is made of, for example, a resin material and has a band-shaped member, and has a buckle at the end. The second belt is formed of, for example, a resin material in a band shape, and has a hole that engages with the buckle of the first belt. The carla is made of, for example, a resin material and is formed into a predetermined curved shape. The cuff structure has a pressing cuff and a sensing cuff configured in a bag shape, and is wound along the living body. The internal space of the cuff structure is connected to the flow path of the main body of the device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-1214779

The blood pressure measuring device expands and contracts the cuff with the belt, carla, and cuff wrapped around the upper arm or wrist of the living body, and detects the pressure of the cuff by the pressure sensor provided in the device body. , The blood pressure is measured by detecting the vibration of the arterial wall (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In general, the blood pressure device exerts a force that pulls the belt in the circumferential direction of a living body such as a wrist due to the expansion of the cuff structure. Stretching the belt in the circumferential direction affects the accuracy of blood pressure measurement.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a belt, a blood pressure measuring device, and a method for manufacturing the belt, which can improve the accuracy of measuring blood pressure.

According to one aspect, a cover layer made of a resin material and a first insert layer made of a high-tensile material arranged in the cover layer and having a higher tensile strength than the resin material are provided. Provided is a belt comprising a first belt portion having a curved shape along the circumferential direction and a second belt portion connected to the first belt portion.

According to this aspect, by arranging the high-tensile material in the cover layer, it is possible to make the structure difficult to stretch when an external force in the circumferential direction is applied. Further, since it is formed in a curved shape, workability is good when it is wrapped around a living body and attached.

Here, the high-tensile material is, for example, a member made of a material having high tensile strength. The high-strength material is, for example, a resin material, and examples thereof include high-strength polyarylate fibers, liquid crystal polymers, PET resins, and PEN resins.

In the belt of the above aspect, the first belt portion is arranged in the cover layer and further includes a second insert layer made of a thermoplastic resin, and the cover layer is made of a thermosetting resin. The high tension material has a higher tensile strength in the circumferential direction of the living body than the thermosetting resin constituting the cover layer.

According to this aspect, by heating the cover layer and the insert layer at the same temperature so that the characteristics of the cover layer and the insert layer are different, it is possible to form a structure that is easy to bend.

In the belt of the above aspect, the high tension material contains at least one of a high-strength polyarylate fiber (Vectran fiber [registered trademark]), a liquid crystal polymer, a PET resin, and a PEN resin.

According to this aspect, the entire belt is made of the material of the cover layer while ensuring the tensile strength by having a structure containing at least one of a high-strength polyarylate fiber, a liquid crystal polymer, a PET resin, and a PEN resin. It is possible to obtain a belt that is lighter and thinner than the case where it is used.

In the belt of the above aspect, the high-tensile material is formed in a mesh shape.

According to this aspect, since the bondability between the cover layer and the high-tensile material can be improved by covering the mesh-shaped high-tensile material with the cover layer, the high-tensile material and the resin layer can be easily separated from each other. can.

According to one aspect, a fluid is supplied to an internal space arranged on the belt, a carla arranged on the living body side of the belt and having a curved shape along the living body, and arranged on one side of the carla and wrapped around the living body. It is provided with a bag-shaped cuff that expands by being moved, and a supply device that is attached to the belt and constitutes a flow path connected to the internal space of the cuff and supplies the fluid to the cuff. A blood pressure measuring device is provided.

Here, the fluid includes liquid and air. A cuff is a cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm or wrist of a living body when measuring blood pressure and expands by being supplied with fluid. For example, a pressing cuff or sensing provided in a blood pressure measuring device that measures blood pressure with the wrist. Includes cuffs and cuffs installed in blood pressure measuring devices that measure blood pressure with the upper arm. Further, the cuff here may be a bag-shaped structure such as an air bag constituting the pressing cuff. Further, here, the supply device is the main body of the blood pressure measuring device including the pump and the flow path.

According to this aspect, even when the belt provided in the blood pressure measuring device is subjected to the stress of pulling the belt in the circumferential direction of the living body due to the expansion of the cuff, the stretching of the belt can be suppressed, so that high measurement accuracy can be maintained.

According to one aspect, a strip-shaped first insert material made of a high-tensile material having a higher tensile strength than the thermosetting resin is arranged inside a cover layer made of a thermosetting resin by insert molding. A method for manufacturing a belt is provided, which comprises a preform forming step of forming the preform and a bending step of bending the preform.

According to this aspect, after molding into a simple shape, it is easy to bend it into a desired shape, so that the molding process and the configuration of the mold can be simplified.

In the method for manufacturing a belt according to the above aspect, in the preform forming step, a thermosetting resin material constituting the cover layer is arranged around a second insert material composed of the first insert material and the thermoplastic resin. Then, the thermosetting resin is cured by heating and the second insert material is softened to insert-mold the preform. In the bending step, the preform is curved and the insert-molded. It is provided with a curing step of curing the second insert material at a temperature lower than the temperature at the time of.

According to this aspect, it is easy to bend the insert into a desired shape by adjusting the temperature at the time of insert molding and the temperature at the time of cooling, so that the bending process becomes easy.

The present invention can provide a blood pressure measuring device and a method for manufacturing a blood pressure measuring device that can improve the accuracy of blood pressure measurement.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the blood pressure measuring apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. An exploded view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device. The block diagram which shows the structure of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The perspective view which shows the structure of the 1st belt of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the 1st belt. Explanatory drawing which shows the manufacturing method of the belt of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The perspective view which shows the structure of the preform of the belt of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the 2nd belt of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The perspective view which shows the other structure of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The perspective view which shows the structure of the apparatus main body of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The plan view which shows the internal structure of the apparatus main body. The plan view which shows the internal structure of the apparatus main body. The plan view which shows the structure of the cuff structure of the same blood pressure measuring apparatus. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the carla and the cuff structure of the blood pressure measuring apparatus. The cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the carla and a cuff structure. Explanatory drawing schematically showing the structure of the pressing cuff of the cuff structure at the time of expansion. The cross-sectional view which shows typically the structure at the time of expansion of the pressing cuff of the same cuff structure. The flow chart which shows an example of the use of the same blood pressure measuring device. The perspective view which shows an example which wears the same blood pressure measuring device on a wrist. The perspective view which shows an example which wears the same blood pressure measuring device on a wrist. The perspective view which shows an example which wears the same blood pressure measuring device on a wrist.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an example of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be illustrated below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 18.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a state where the belt 4 is closed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1 with the belt 4 open. FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1. 5 and 6 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the first belt portion 61. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of manufacturing the first belt portion 61. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the preform 61A. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the second belt portion 62. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the blood pressure measuring device 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the device main body 3 of the blood pressure measuring device 1 from the back cover 35 side. 12 and 13 are plan views showing the internal configuration of the apparatus main body 3 from the windshield 32 side and the back cover 35 side, respectively. FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of the cuff structure 6 of the blood pressure measuring device 1 from the sensing cuff 73 side.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the carla 5 and the cuff structure 6 of the blood pressure measuring device 1 in the XV-XV line cross section in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the carla 5 and the cuff structure 6 in the XVI-XVI line cross section in FIG. 17 and 18 are views schematically showing an example when the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 of the cuff structure 6 are inflated on the side surface and the cross section. In FIG. 15, the carla 5 and the cuff structure 6 are schematically shown in a linear shape for convenience of explanation, but in the configuration provided in the blood pressure measuring device 1, they have a curved shape.

The blood pressure measuring device 1 is an electronic blood pressure measuring device worn on a living body. In the present embodiment, an electronic blood pressure measuring device having an aspect of a wearable device worn on the wrist 100 of a living body will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 18, the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes a device main body 3, a belt 4, a carla 5, a cuff structure 6 having a pressing cuff 71 and a sensing cuff 73, and a fluid circuit 7. I have. Here, the pressing cuff 71 is an example of the "cuff" of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 18, the apparatus main body 3 includes a case 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a pump 14, a flow path unit 15, an on-off valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, and electric power. It includes a supply unit 18, a vibration motor 19, and a control board 20. The device main body 3 is a supply device that supplies fluid to the pressing cuff 71 by means of a pump 14, an on-off valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a control board 20, and the like.

The case 11 includes an outer case 31, a windshield 32 that covers the upper opening of the outer case 31, a base 33 provided below the inside of the outer case 31, and a flow path cover 34 that covers a part of the back surface of the base 33. A back cover 35 that covers the lower part of the outer case 31 is provided. Further, the case 11 includes a flow path tube 36 that forms a part of the fluid circuit 7.

The outer case 31 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The outer case 31 includes a pair of lugs 31a provided at symmetrical positions in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface, and a spring rod 31b provided between the two pairs of lugs 31a, respectively. The windshield 32 is a circular glass plate.

The base 33 holds a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a pump 14, an on-off valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a power supply unit 18, a vibration motor 19, and a control board 20. Further, the base portion 33 constitutes a part of the flow path portion 15.

The flow path cover 34 is fixed to the back surface, which is the outer surface of the base 33 on the back cover 35 side. The base portion 33 and the flow path cover 34 are provided with grooves on one or both of them to form a part of the flow path portion 15.

The back cover 35 covers the end portion of the outer case 31 on the living body side. The back cover 35 is fixed to the end of the outer case 31 or the base 33 on the living body side by, for example, four screws 35a or the like.

The flow path tube 36 constitutes a part of the flow path portion 15. The flow path tube 36 connects, for example, a part of the on-off valve 16 and the flow path portion 15 of the base portion 33.

The display unit 12 is located on the base 33 of the outer case 31 and directly below the windshield 32. The display unit 12 is electrically connected to the control board 20. The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display. The display unit 12 displays various information including the date and time, blood pressure values such as systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, and measurement results such as heart rate.

The operation unit 13 is configured to be able to input a command from the user. For example, the operation unit 13 includes a plurality of buttons 41 provided on the case 11, a sensor 42 for detecting the operation of the button 41, and a touch panel 43 provided on the display unit 12 or the windshield 32. The operation unit 13 converts a command into an electric signal by being operated by the user. The sensor 42 and the touch panel 43 are electrically connected to the control board 20, and output an electric signal to the control board 20.

For example, three buttons 41 are provided. The button 41 is supported by the base 33 and protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the outer case 31. The plurality of buttons 41 and the plurality of sensors 42 are supported by the base 33. The touch panel 43 is provided integrally with the windshield 32, for example.

The pump 14 is, for example, a piezoelectric pump. The pump 14 compresses the air and supplies the compressed air to the cuff structure 6 through the flow path portion 15. The pump 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 55.

The flow path portion 15 is an air flow path composed of a groove or the like provided in the main surface of the base portion 33 on the back cover 35 side and the flow path cover 34 covering the back cover 35 side of the base portion 33. The flow path portion 15 constitutes a flow path from the pump 14 to the pressing cuff 71 and a flow path from the pump 14 to the sensing cuff 73. Further, the flow path portion 15 constitutes a flow path from the pressing cuff 71 to the atmosphere and a flow path from the sensing cuff 73 to the atmosphere. The flow path cover 34 has a connected portion 34a to which the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 are connected, respectively. The connected portion 34a is, for example, a cylindrical nozzle provided on the flow path cover 34.

The on-off valve 16 opens and closes a part of the flow path portion 15. A plurality of on-off valves 16 are provided, for example, a flow path from the pump 14 to the pressing cuff 71, a flow path from the pump 14 to the sensing cuff 73, and a flow from the pressing cuff 71 to the atmosphere by combining the opening and closing of each on-off valve 16. It selectively opens and closes the path and the flow path from the sensing cuff 73 to the atmosphere. For example, two on-off valves 16 are used.

The pressure sensor 17 detects the pressure of the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73. The pressure sensor 17 is electrically connected to the control board 20. The pressure sensor 17 is electrically connected to the control board 20, converts the detected pressure into an electric signal, and outputs the detected pressure to the control board 20. The pressure sensor 17 is provided, for example, in the flow path connecting the pump 14 to the pressing cuff 71 and the flow path connecting the pump 14 to the sensing cuff 73. Since these flow paths are continuous with the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73, the pressure in these flow paths becomes the pressure in the internal space of the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73.

The power supply unit 18 is a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. The power supply unit 18 is electrically connected to the control board 20. The power supply unit 18 supplies power to the control board 20.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, the control board 20 includes, for example, a board 51, an acceleration sensor 52, a communication unit 53, a storage unit 54, and a control unit 55. The control board 20 includes an acceleration sensor 52, a communication unit 53, a storage unit 54, and a control unit 55 mounted on the board 51.

The substrate 51 is fixed to the base 33 of the case 11 with screws or the like.

The acceleration sensor 52 is, for example, a 3-axis acceleration sensor. The acceleration sensor 52 outputs an acceleration signal representing acceleration in three directions orthogonal to each other of the apparatus main body 3 to the control unit 55. For example, the acceleration sensor 52 is used to measure the amount of activity of a living body equipped with the blood pressure measuring device 1 from the detected acceleration.

The communication unit 53 is configured to be able to transmit and receive information wirelessly or by wire with an external device. The communication unit 53 transmits, for example, information controlled by the control unit 55 and information such as the measured blood pressure value and pulse to an external device via the network, and software from the external device via the network. Receives the update program, etc. and sends it to the control unit.

In the present embodiment, the network is, for example, the Internet, but is not limited to this, and may be a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) provided in a hospital, or a network of a predetermined standard such as USB. Direct communication with an external device using a cable having terminals or the like may be used. Therefore, the communication unit 53 may be configured to include a plurality of wireless antennas, micro USB connectors, and the like.

The storage unit 54 contains program data for controlling the entire blood pressure measuring device 1 and the fluid circuit 7, setting data for setting various functions of the blood pressure measuring device 1, and a blood pressure value and pulse from the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 17. The calculated data and the like for calculating the above are stored in advance. In addition, the storage unit 54 stores information such as the measured blood pressure value and pulse.

The control unit 55 is composed of a single CPU or a plurality of CPUs, and controls the operation of the entire blood pressure measuring device 1 and the operation of the fluid circuit 7. The control unit 55 is electrically connected to the display unit 12, the operation unit 13, the pump 14, each on-off valve 16 and each pressure sensor 17, and supplies electric power. Further, the control unit 55 controls the operations of the display unit 12, the pump 14, and the on-off valve 16 based on the electric signals output by the operation unit 13 and the pressure sensor 17.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 55 has a main CPU 56 that controls the operation of the entire blood pressure measuring device 1, and a sub CPU 57 that controls the operation of the fluid circuit 7. For example, when a command for measuring blood pressure is input from the operation unit 13, the sub CPU 57 drives the pump 14 and the on-off valve 16 to send compressed air to the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73.

Further, the sub CPU 57 controls the drive and stop of the pump 14 and the opening and closing of the on-off valve 16 based on the electric signal output from the pressure sensor 17, and selectively pushes the compressed air to the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73. At the same time as feeding, the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 are selectively pressurized. Further, the main CPU 56 obtains measurement results such as blood pressure values such as systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate from the electric signals output by the pressure sensor 17, and outputs an image signal corresponding to the measurement results to the display unit 12. ..

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 13, the belt 4 has a first belt portion 61 provided on one pair of lugs 31a and a spring rod 31b, and a first belt portion 61 provided on the other pair of lugs 31a and a spring rod 31b. A two-belt portion 62 is provided.

The first belt portion 61 is a so-called parent and is made of a resin material. The first belt is provided on one side of the carla 5, for example, and covers a part of the carla 5. The first belt portion 61 is configured in a band shape that curves along the outer circumference of the carla 5.

The first belt portion 61 is provided at one end portion and is provided at a first hole portion 61a orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first belt portion 61 and at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the first belt portion 61. It has a second hole portion 61b that is orthogonal to each other and a buckle 61c provided in the second hole portion 61b. The first hole portion 61a has an inner diameter into which the spring rod 31b can be inserted and the first belt portion 61 can rotate with respect to the spring rod 31b. That is, the first belt portion 61 is rotatably held in the outer case 31 between the pair of lugs 31a and by arranging the first hole portion 61a in the spring rod 31b. The second hole portion 61b is provided at the tip of the first belt portion 61.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first belt portion 61 includes a cover layer 63, a first insert layer 64, and a second insert layer 65. The first belt portion 61 is formed in a curved shape along the outer circumference of the living body.

The cover layer 63 is made of, for example, a thermosetting resin. The cover layer 63 is made of a flexible resin material that can be elastically deformed, for example. As one kind of thermosetting resin, for example, there is a thermosetting elastomer, and as one kind of thermosetting elastomer, for example, there is a silicone resin or a fluororesin.

The first insert layer 64 is arranged in the cover layer 63. The first insert layer 64 is composed of the first insert material 64A. The first insert material 64A is made of a high-tensile material. The first insert material 64A is, for example, a high-tensile sheet made of a high-tensile material having a higher tensile strength than the resin material constituting the cover layer 63. Specifically, the high-tensile material is configured to have a higher tensile strength in the circumferential direction of the living body than the thermosetting resin constituting the cover layer 63. Examples of high-strength materials include high-strength polyarylate (Vectran) fibers, liquid crystal polymers, PET resins, PEN resins, and the like. The first insert material 64A is formed in the form of a mesh or a film. The length of the first insert layer 64 in the width direction and the circumferential direction is slightly shorter than that of the cover layer 63, and the first insert layer 64 is covered with the cover layer 63. The first insert material 64A is arranged outside the curve of, for example, the second insert material 65A.

The second insert layer 65 is composed of the second insert material 65A arranged in the cover layer 63. The second insert material 65A is, for example, a resin sheet made of a thermoplastic resin. The second insert layer 65 is laminated inside the curved shape of the first insert layer 64. The second insert layer 65 is configured to have a length slightly shorter in the width direction and the circumferential direction than the cover layer 63, and is covered with the cover layer 63. The second insert layer 65 is configured to have a thickness of about 1.0 mm.

The buckle 61c has a rectangular frame-shaped frame-shaped body 61d and a stick 61e rotatably attached to the frame-shaped body 61d. One side of the frame-shaped body 61d to which the stick 61e is attached is inserted into the second hole portion 61b, and the frame-shaped body 61d is rotatably attached with respect to the first belt portion 61.

Next, a method for manufacturing the belt 4, which is a part of the method for manufacturing the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. The manufacturing method of the blood pressure measuring device 1 includes a preform forming step and a bending step as a manufacturing method of the first belt portion 61.

As a preform forming step, first, as shown in ST11 of FIG. 7, a base portion 63a is created. The base portion 63a is formed by heating the resin constituting the cover layer 63 using the first mold 101 for the base portion 63a to form a strip-shaped base portion 63a having a predetermined shape. Next, as shown in ST12 of FIG. 7, the first insert material 64A and the second insert material 65A are placed on the base portion 63a. Then, as shown in ST13, a strip-shaped preform 61A extending linearly is formed. Specifically, using the mold 102 corresponding to the strip-shaped preform 61A, the thermosetting resin constituting the cover layer 63 is arranged on the base portion 63a and the insert materials 64 and 65 and insert-molded. At this time, by heating to a predetermined temperature, the thermosetting resin constituting the cover layer 63 is cured and the second insert material 65A is softened to form the preform 61A.

As shown in ST13 and FIG. 8 of FIG. 7, the preform 61A is configured in a strip shape extending linearly immediately after insert molding.

Next, as shown in ST14, as a bending step, the preform 61A is housed in a mold 103 having a predetermined shape along the outer circumference of the living body and curved. For example, the bending step includes a curing step in which the preform 61A is curved and cooled to a temperature lower than the temperature at the time of insert molding to cure the insert material. As a result, the preform 61A is curved into a predetermined shape. The curved first belt portion 61 is removed from the mold 103, and the buckle 61c is attached to complete the first belt portion 61.

If the curing timing differs depending on the heating temperature, the cover layer 63 and the second insert material 65 may be made of a thermoplastic resin. For example, by using resins having different softening points and curing points, the characteristics such as the bendability of the cover layer 63 and the second insert material 65 can be made different even at the same temperature.

In addition to the above, it is also possible to form and bend the preform 61A in the mold 102, for example, by using the mold 102 having a curved shape in ST13.

The second belt portion 62 is a so-called sword tip, and is configured in a band shape having a width that can be inserted into the frame-shaped body 61d. Further, the second belt portion 62 has a plurality of small holes 62a into which the stick 61e is inserted. Further, the second belt portion 62 is provided at one end and has a third hole portion 62b orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the second belt portion 62. The third hole portion 62b has an inner diameter into which the spring rod 31b can be inserted and the second belt portion 62 can rotate with respect to the spring rod 31b. That is, the second belt portion 62 is rotatably held in the outer case 31 between the pair of lugs 31a and by arranging the third hole portion 62b in the spring rod 31b.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second belt portion 62 includes a cover layer 63 and a first insert layer 64. As an example, the cover layer 63 and the first insert layer 64 are made of the same material as the first belt portion 61. That is, the second belt portion 62 has a configuration without the second insert layer 65 in the first belt portion 61.

The cover layer 63 is made of, for example, a thermosetting resin. The cover layer 63 is made of a flexible resin material that can be elastically deformed, for example.

The first insert layer 64 is arranged in the cover layer 63. The first insert layer 64 is composed of the first insert material 64A. The first insert material 64A is composed of a high-tensile material. The first insert material 64A is, for example, a high-tensile sheet made of a high-tensile material having a higher tensile strength than the resin material constituting the cover layer. Specifically, the high-tensile material is configured to have a higher tensile strength in the circumferential direction of the living body than the thermosetting resin constituting the cover layer 63. Examples of high-strength materials include, for example, Vectran fibers, liquid crystal polymers, PET resins, and PEN resins. The first insert material 64A is formed in the form of a mesh or a film. The length of the first insert layer 64 in the width direction and the circumferential direction is slightly shorter than that of the cover layer 63, and the first insert layer 64 is covered with the cover layer 63. The first insert layer 64 is arranged at a position on the outer peripheral side of the curve, for example, with respect to the center position in the thickness direction of the cover layer 63.

The method of forming the second belt portion 62 is, for example, the same as the preform forming step of the first belt portion 61, by insert molding, first, as shown in ST11 of FIG. 7, using the first mold 101. The resin constituting the cover layer is thermoformed to form a strip-shaped base portion 63a having a predetermined shape. Next, as shown in ST12 of FIG. 7, the first insert material 64A is placed on the base portion 63a, and as shown in ST13, the thermosetting resin is arranged on the base portion 63a and the insert material 64 and inserted. Molding forms the 63 remaining portion of the cover layer. As a result, the second belt portion 62 is formed.

In such a belt 4, the first belt portion 62 and the second belt portion 62 are integrally connected by inserting the second belt portion 62 into the frame-shaped body 61d and inserting the rod 61e attached to the small hole 62a. Then, together with the outer case 31, it becomes an annular shape that follows the circumferential direction of the wrist 100.

The carla 5 is made of a resin material and is formed in a band shape that curves along the circumferential direction of the wrist. The carla 5 is configured, for example, with one end fixed between the base 33 of the apparatus main body 3 and the flow path cover 34 and the back cover 35, and the other end close to the apparatus main body 3. As shown in FIG. 10, the carla 5 is fixed to the outer surface of the back cover 35, one end of which protrudes from one pair of lugs 31a of the back cover 35, and the back cover 35 is directed from one end to the other end. It may be configured so as to project from the other pair of lugs 31a side and extend to a position where the other end is adjacent to one end.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the carla 5 has a shape that is curved along the circumferential direction of the wrist 100, for example, in a direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction of the wrist, in other words, in a lateral view from the longitudinal direction of the wrist. It is made of a resin material that has. The carla 5 extends from the device body, for example, from the back of the wrist to the palm of one side through one side and to the center of the other side. That is, the carla 5 is curved along the circumferential direction of the wrist so as to cover most of the circumferential direction of the wrist 100 and both ends thereof are separated from each other with a predetermined interval.

The carla 5 has a hardness having flexibility and shape retention. Here, flexibility means that the shape is deformed in the radial direction when an external force is applied to the carla 5, for example, when the carla 5 is pressed by the belt 4, it is close to the wrist or is close to the wrist. It means that the shape of the side view is deformed to follow the shape of the wrist or to imitate the shape of the wrist. Further, the shape retention means that the carla 5 can maintain a preformed shape when no external force is applied, and in the present embodiment, the shape of the carla 5 is maintained to be curved along the circumferential direction of the wrist. You can do it. The carla 5 is made of a resin material. The carla 5 is formed of polypropylene, for example, to a thickness of about 1 mm. The carla 5 holds the cuff structure 6 along the inner surface shape of the carla 5.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 14 to 16, the cuff structure 6 includes a pressing cuff 71, a back plate 72, and a sensing cuff 73. The cuff structure 6 is integrally formed by laminating a pressing cuff 71, a back plate 72, and a sensing cuff 73. The cuff structure 6 is fixed to the inner surface of the carla 5.

The pressing cuff 71 is an example of a cuff. The pressing cuff 71 is fluidly connected to the pump 14 via the flow path portion 15. The pressing cuff 71 presses the back plate 72 and the sensing cuff 73 toward the living body by expanding. The pressing cuff 71 includes a plurality of air bags 81, a tube 82 communicating with the air bags 81, and a connecting portion 83 provided at the tip of the tube 82.

Here, the air bag 81 is a bag-shaped structure, and in the present embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 has a configuration in which air is used by the pump 14, so that the air bag will be described, but other than air. When a fluid is used, the bag-shaped structure may be a fluid bag such as a liquid bag.

The plurality of air bags 81 are laminated and fluidly communicate with each other in the stacking direction. As a specific example, the pressing cuff 71 includes a two-layer air bag 81 that fluidly communicates in the stacking direction, a tube 82 provided at one end of one air bag 81 in the longitudinal direction, and the tip of the tube 82. The connection portion 83 provided in the above is provided.

In the pressing cuff 71, the main surface of one of the air bags 81 is fixed to the inner surface of the carla 5. For example, the pressing cuff 71 is attached to the inner surface of the carla 5 with double-sided tape or an adhesive.

The two-layer air bag 81 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. The air bag 81 is configured by, for example, combining two sheet members 86 that are long in one direction and welding the edges by heat. As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the two-layer air bag 81 constitutes the first sheet member 86a, the first sheet member 86a, and the first air bag 81 from the living body side. It includes a sheet member 86b, a third sheet member 86c that is integrally bonded to the second sheet member 86b, and a fourth sheet member 86d that constitutes the third sheet member 86c and the second layer air bag 81.

The first sheet member 86a and the second sheet member 86b form an air bag 81 by welding the peripheral edges of the four sides. The second seat member 86b and the third seat member 86c are arranged to face each other and have a plurality of openings 86b1 and 86c1 that fluidly connect the two air bags 81, respectively. The fourth sheet member 86d is provided with an adhesive layer or double-sided tape on the outer surface on the carla 5 side, and is attached to the carla 5 by the adhesive layer or double-sided tape.

The third seat member 86c and the fourth seat member 86d form an air bag 81 by welding the peripheral edges of the four sides. Further, for example, a tube 82 fluidly continuous with the internal space of the air bag 81 is arranged on one side of the third seat member 86c and the fourth seat member 86d, and is fixed by welding. For example, in the third seat member 86c and the fourth seat member 86d, the peripheral edges of the four sides are welded in a state where the tube 82 is arranged between the third seat member 86c and the fourth seat member 86d to form an air bag 81. By doing so, the tube 82 is integrally welded.

The tube 82 is connected to one of the two layers of the air bag 81 and is provided at one end of the air bag 81 in the longitudinal direction. As a specific example, the tube 82 is provided on the carla 5 side of the two-layer air bag 81 and at the end close to the apparatus main body 3. The tube 82 has a connection portion 83 at the tip thereof. The tube 82 constitutes a flow path between the apparatus main body 3 and the air bag 81 in the fluid circuit 7. The connecting portion 83 is connected to the connected portion 34a of the flow path cover 34. The connection portion 83 is, for example, a nipple.

The back plate 72 is attached to the outer surface 86a1 of the first sheet member 86a of the pressing cuff 71 with an adhesive layer, double-sided tape, or the like. The back plate 72 is made of a resin material and is formed in a plate shape. The back plate 72 is made of polypropylene, for example, and is formed in a plate shape having a thickness of about 1 mm. The back plate 72 has shape followability.

Here, the shape followability means a function in which the back plate 72 can be deformed so as to imitate the shape of the contacted portion of the arranged wrist 100, and the contacted portion of the wrist 100 comes into contact with the back plate 72. Region, where contact includes both direct and indirect contact.

Therefore, the shape followability means that the back plate 72 provided on the pressing cuff 71, or the back plate 72 provided between the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73, is the back plate 72 itself or the back plate 72. This is a function in which the sensing cuff 73 provided in the above is deformed to the extent that it imitates the wrist 100 or imitates the wrist 100 and comes into close contact with the wrist 100.

For example, the back plate 72 has a plurality of grooves 72a arranged on both main surfaces of the back plate 72 at positions facing each other and at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the back plate 72. As a result, the back plate 72 has a thinner portion than the portion having the plurality of grooves 72a as compared with the portion having the plurality of grooves 72a, so that the portion having the plurality of grooves 72a is easily deformed. Therefore, the shape of the wrist 100 is formed. It has a shape-following property that deforms according to. The back plate 72 is formed to have a length that covers the palm side of the wrist 100. The back plate 72 transmits the pressing force from the pressing cuff 71 to the main surface of the sensing cuff 73 on the back plate 72 side while following the shape of the wrist 100.

The sensing cuff 73 is fixed to the main surface of the back plate 72 on the living body side. As shown in FIG. 17, the sensing cuff 73 directly contacts the region of the wrist 100 where the artery resides. The sensing cuff 73 is formed to have the same shape as the back plate 72 or a smaller shape than the back plate 72 in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the back plate 72. The sensing cuff 73 expands to compress the area of the wrist 100 on the palm side of the artery 110. The sensing cuff 73 is pressed toward the living body side via the back plate 72 by the inflated pressing cuff 71.

As a specific example, the sensing cuff 73 includes one air bag 91, a tube 92 communicating with the air bag 91, and a connection portion 93 provided at the tip of the tube 92. In the sensing cuff 73, one main surface of the air bag 91 is fixed to the back plate 72. For example, the sensing cuff 73 is attached to the main surface of the back plate 72 on the living body side with double-sided tape, an adhesive layer, or the like.

Here, the air bag 91 is a bag-shaped structure, and in the present embodiment, the blood pressure measuring device 1 has a configuration in which air is used by the pump 14, so that the air bag will be described, but other than air. When a fluid is used, the bag-shaped structure may be a liquid bag or the like. Such a plurality of air bags 91 are laminated and fluidly communicate with each other in the stacking direction.

The air bag 91 is formed in a rectangular shape that is long in one direction. The air bag 91 is configured by, for example, combining two sheet members long in one direction and welding the edges by heat. As a specific example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the air bag 91 includes a fifth seat member 96a and a sixth seat member 96b from the living body side.

For example, in the fifth seat member 96a and the sixth seat member 96b, a tube 92 that is fluidly continuous with the internal space of the air bag 91 is arranged on one side of the fifth seat member 96a and the sixth seat member 96b, and is welded. It is fixed. For example, in the fifth seat member 96a and the sixth seat member 96b, the peripheral edges of the four sides are welded together with the tube 92 arranged between the fifth seat member 96a and the sixth seat member 96b to form the air bag 91. As a result, the tube 92 is integrally welded.

The tube 92 is provided at one end of the air bag 91 in the longitudinal direction. As a specific example, the tube 92 is provided at the end of the air bag 91 near the device body 3. The tube 92 has a connection portion 93 at the tip thereof. The tube 92 constitutes a flow path between the device main body 3 and the air bag 91 in the fluid circuit 7. The connecting portion 93 is connected to the connected portion 34a of the flow path cover 34. The connection portion 93 is, for example, a nipple.

Further, the sheet members 86 and 96 forming the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 are made of a thermoplastic elastomer. Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer constituting the sheet members 86 and 96 include a thermoplastic polyurethane resin (hereinafter referred to as TPU), a vinyl chloride resin (PolyVinylClolide), and an ethylene vinyl acetate resin (Ethylene-Vinyl Actate). , Thermoplastic PolyStyle, Thermoplastic PolyOrefin, ThermoPlastic Polyester, Thermoplastic Polyester, and Thermoplastic Polypoly resin can be used. Thermoplastic Poly. It is preferable to use TPU as the thermoplastic elastomer. The sheet member may have a single-layer structure or may have a multi-layer structure.

The sheet members 86 and 96 are not limited to the thermoplastic elastomer, and may be a thermoplastic elastomer such as silicone, and the thermoplastic elastomer (for example, TPU) and the thermoplastic elastomer (for example, silicone) may be used. It may be a combination.

For the sheet members 86 and 96, a molding method such as T-die extrusion molding or injection molding is used when a thermoplastic elastomer is used, and a molding method such as mold casting molding is used when a thermosetting elastomer is used. Is used. The sheet member is molded by each molding method, then sized to a predetermined shape, and the sized pieces are joined by adhesion, welding, or the like to form an air bag 81, 91 which is a bag-shaped structure. .. As a bonding method, a high-frequency welder or laser welding is used when a thermoplastic elastomer is used, and a molecular adhesive is used when a thermosetting elastomer is used.

The fluid circuit 7 is composed of a case 11, a pump 14, a flow path portion 15, an on-off valve 16, a pressure sensor 17, a pressing cuff 71, and a sensing cuff 73. The two on-off valves 16 used in the fluid circuit 7 are referred to as a first on-off valve 16A and a second on-off valve 16B, and the two pressure sensors 17 are referred to as a first pressure sensor 17A and a second pressure sensor 17B. A specific example will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fluid circuit 7 is configured by, for example, branching a first flow path 7a continuous from the pump 14 to the pressing cuff 71 and a middle portion of the first flow path 7a from the pump 14. It includes a second flow path 7b that connects the sensing cuff 73 continuously, and a third flow path 7c that connects the first flow path 7a and the atmosphere. Further, the first flow path 7a includes the first pressure sensor 17A. A first on-off valve 16A is provided between the first flow path 7a and the second flow path 7b. The second flow path 7b includes a second pressure sensor 17B. A second on-off valve 16B is provided between the first flow path 7a and the third flow path 7c.

In such a fluid circuit 7, when the first on-off valve 16A and the second on-off valve 16B are closed, only the first flow path 7a is connected to the pump 14, and the pump 14 and the pressing cuff 71 are fluidly connected. .. In the fluid circuit 7, the first on-off valve 16A is opened and the second on-off valve 16B is closed, so that the first flow path 7a and the second flow path 7b are connected, and the pump 14, the pressing cuff 71, and the pump are connected. 14 and the sensing cuff 73 are fluidly connected. In the fluid circuit 7, when the first on-off valve 16A is closed and the second on-off valve 16B is closed, the first flow path 7a and the third flow path 7c are connected, and the pressing cuff 71 and the atmosphere are fluidly connected. Will be done. In the fluid circuit 7, the first on-off valve 16A and the second on-off valve 16B are opened to connect the first flow path 7a, the second flow path 7b, and the third flow path 7c, and the pressing cuff 71, the sensing cuff 73, and the fluid circuit 7 are connected to each other. The atmosphere is fluidly connected.

Next, an example of measuring the blood pressure value using the blood pressure measuring device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of blood pressure measurement using the blood pressure measuring device 1, and shows both the operation of the user and the operation of the control unit 55. 20 to 22 show an example in which the user wears the blood pressure measuring device 1 on the wrist 100.

First, the user attaches the blood pressure measuring device 1 to the wrist 100 (step ST1). As a specific example, for example, the user inserts one of the wrists 100 into the carla 5 as shown in FIG.

At this time, in the blood pressure measuring device 1, since the device main body 3 and the sensing cuff 73 are arranged at opposite positions of the carla 5, the sensing cuff 73 is arranged in the region where the artery 110 on the palm side of the wrist 100 exists. As a result, the device main body 3 is arranged on the back side of the wrist 100. Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the second belt portion 62 is passed through the frame-shaped body 61d of the buckle 61c of the first belt portion 61 by a hand opposite to the hand in which the user arranges the blood pressure measuring device 1. Next, the user pulls the second belt portion 62, brings the member on the inner peripheral surface side of the carla 5, that is, the cuff structure 6 into close contact with the wrist 100, and inserts the rod 61e attached to the small hole 62a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22, the first belt portion 61 and the second belt portion 62 are connected, and the blood pressure measuring device 1 is attached to the wrist 100.

Next, the user operates the operation unit 13 to input a command corresponding to the start of measurement of the blood pressure value. The operation unit 13 in which the command input operation is performed outputs an electric signal corresponding to the start of measurement to the control unit 55 (step ST2). Upon receiving the electric signal, the control unit 55 opens, for example, the first on-off valve 16A, closes the second on-off valve 16B, drives the pump 14, and passes through the first flow path 7a and the second flow path 7b. Compressed air is supplied to the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 (step ST3). As a result, the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 start to expand.

The first pressure sensor 17A and the second pressure sensor 17B detect the pressures of the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73, respectively, and output an electric signal corresponding to these pressures to the control unit 55 (step ST4). Based on the received electric signal, the control unit 55 determines whether or not the pressure in the internal space of the pressing cuff 71 and the sensing cuff 73 has reached a predetermined pressure for blood pressure measurement (step ST5). For example, when the internal pressure of the pressing cuff 71 has not reached a predetermined pressure and the internal pressure of the sensing cuff 73 has reached a predetermined pressure, the control unit 55 closes the first on-off valve 16A and first. Compressed air is supplied through the flow path 7a.

When both the internal pressure of the pressing cuff 71 and the internal pressure of the sensing cuff 73 reach a predetermined pressure, the control unit 55 stops driving the pump 14 (YES in step ST5). At this time, as shown in FIG. 17, the pressing cuff 71 is sufficiently inflated, and the inflated pressing cuff 71 presses the wrist 100 and the back plate 72.

Further, the sensing cuff 73 is sufficiently inflated and is pressed towards the wrist 100 by the back plate 72 pressed by the pressing cuff 71. Therefore, the sensing cuff 73 presses the artery 110 in the wrist 100 and occludes the artery 110 as shown in FIG.

After that, the control unit 55 controls the second on-off valve 16B and repeatedly opens and closes the second on-off valve 16B, or adjusts the opening of the second on-off valve 16B to adjust the opening of the second on-off valve 16B in the internal space of the pressing cuff 71. Pressurize. Based on the electric signal output from the second pressure sensor 17B in the process of pressurization, the control unit 55 obtains a measurement result such as a blood pressure value such as a systolic blood pressure and a diastolic blood pressure and a heart rate.

The timing of opening and closing the first on-off valve 16A and the second on-off valve 16B at the time of blood pressure measurement can be appropriately set, and the control unit 55 has described an example of calculating the blood pressure in the pressurizing process of the pressing cuff 71. , The blood pressure may be calculated in the depressurizing process of the pressing cuff 71, or the blood pressure may be calculated in both the pressurizing process and the depressurizing process of the pressing cuff 71. Next, the control unit 55 outputs an image signal corresponding to the obtained measurement result to the display unit 12.

Upon receiving the image signal, the display unit 12 displays the measurement result on the screen. The user confirms the measurement result by visually recognizing the display unit 12. After the measurement is completed, the user removes the rod 61e attached from the small hole 62a, removes the second belt portion 62 from the frame-shaped body 61d, and pulls out the wrist 100 from the carla 5, so that the blood pressure measuring device 1 is taken from the wrist 100. Remove.

In the blood pressure measuring device 1 according to the embodiment configured as described above, the belt 4 provided on the outer periphery of the cuff structure 6 inflated by the fluid is provided with a high tension material having high tensile strength, so that the belt is expanded by the expansion of the cuff. Even when stress is applied in the direction of pulling the belt 4, the elongation of the belt 4 can be suppressed. Further, since the cover layer 63 forming the outer surface of the belt 4 is composed of the amount of the resin material, it is possible to ensure the ease of mounting due to the flexibility of the resin material in the mounting work. That is, if the entire belt 4 is made of a material having a high hardness in order to make it difficult to stretch, the flexibility at the time of mounting is impaired, but the tensile strength is higher than that of the cover layer 63 in the resin cover layer 63 constituting the outer surface. The multi-layered laminated structure in which high-strength materials are arranged makes it possible to achieve both ease of mounting and difficulty in stretching. Therefore, when the cuff expands during blood pressure measurement, it is possible to realize highly accurate blood pressure measurement by suppressing the elongation of the belt 4 while maintaining the adhesion.

Further, since the first belt portion 61 is formed in a curved shape, workability is good when the first belt portion 61 is wound around a living body and attached. That is, since the fastener such as the buckle 61c is positioned at a desired position near the living body, the positioning work becomes unnecessary.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the belt 4 from stretching and to provide the belt 4 having good wearability.

Further, since the high-tensile material is formed of a mesh, a film, or the like into a strip-like film, the belt can be made thinner and lighter. Further, when the high-tensile material is configured in a mesh shape, the cover layer 63 and the first insert layer 64 have good bondability and can be configured to be difficult to peel off. Further, since the first insert material 64A is arranged outside the curve of the second insert material 65A, wrinkles are less likely to occur during preform processing.

According to the manufacturing method of the blood pressure measuring device 1, the insert is molded into a strip shape with a simple linear shape, and after die cutting, it is housed in a mold having a desired shape and curved to perform a molding process or a mold. The configuration can be simplified.

That is, in the first belt portion 61, the cover layer 63 constituting the outer layer is made of a thermosetting resin, and the inner insert layer 64 is made of a thermoplastic resin. By adjusting the temperature, the cover layer 63 can be hardened and the insert layer 64 can be softened by a single treatment, and by further cooling to a desired shape, the bending treatment becomes easy.

As described above, the belt 4 provided in the blood pressure measuring device 1 can suppress the elongation of the belt 4 even when the stress of pulling the belt 4 in the circumferential direction of the living body is applied due to the expansion of the cuff, so that the measurement accuracy is high. In addition, since a linear preform is once formed and the thermosetting resin is die-cut after heating, the die-cutting work is easy, and there are few restrictions on the shape of the mold and the die-cutting. Therefore, for example, it is easy to form a surface treatment such as embossing or unevenness on the surface of the first belt portion 61, and the versatility is high.

However, each of the above embodiments is merely an example of the present invention in all respects. Needless to say, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. That is, in carrying out the present invention, a specific configuration according to the embodiment may be appropriately adopted.

1 ... blood pressure measuring device, 3 ... device body, 4 ... belt, 5 ... carla, 5a ... protrusion, 6 ... cuff structure, 7 ... fluid circuit, 7a ... first flow path, 7b ... second flow path, 7c ... 3rd flow path, 11 ... case, 11a ... mounting part, 12 ... display part, 13 ... operation part, 14 ... pump, 15 ... flow path part, 16 ... on-off valve, 16A ... first on-off valve, 16B ... 2 on-off valve, 17 ... pressure sensor, 17A ... first pressure sensor, 17B ... second pressure sensor, 18 ... power supply unit, 19 ... vibration motor, 20 ... control board, 31 ... outer case, 31a ... lug, 31b ... Spring bar, 32 ... windshield, 33 ... base, 34 ... flow path cover, 34a ... connected part, 35 ... back cover, 35a ... screw, 36 ... flow path tube, 41 ... button, 42 ... sensor, 43 ... touch panel, 51 ... substrate, 52 ... acceleration sensor, 53 ... communication unit, 54 ... storage unit, 55 ... control unit, 61 ... first belt, 61A ... preform, 61a ... first hole portion, 61b ... second hole portion, 61c ... tail lock, 61d ... frame-shaped body, 61e ... stick, 62 ... second belt, 62a ... small hole, 63 ... cover layer, 64 ... first insert layer, 64A ... first insert material, 65 ... second Insert layer, 65A ... 2nd insert material, 71 ... Pressing cuff, 72 ... Back plate, 72a ... Groove, 73 ... Sensing cuff, 74 ... Bag-shaped cover body, 81 ... Bag-shaped structure, 81 ... Air bag, 82 ... Tube, 83 ... Connection part, 86 ... Sheet member, 86a ... First sheet member, 86a1 ... Outer surface, 86b ... Second sheet member, 86b1 ... Opening, 86c ... Third sheet member, 86c1 ... Opening, 86d ... Fourth sheet Member, 91 ... bag-shaped structure, 91 ... air bag, 92 ... tube, 93 ... connection, 96 ... sheet member, 96a ... fifth sheet member, 96b ... sixth sheet member, 100 ... wrist, 110 ... artery.

Claims (1)

By insert molding, a first insert material made of a high-tensile material having a higher tensile strength than the thermosetting resin and a second insert made of a thermoplastic resin inside a cover layer made of a thermosetting resin. The preform forming process of forming a strip-shaped preform on which the material is arranged, and
A bending step of bending the preform after the preform forming step is provided.
In the preform forming step, a thermosetting resin material constituting the cover layer is arranged around the first insert material and the second insert material, and the thermosetting resin is cured by heating and the first. 2 It is provided that the insert material is softened and the preform is insert-molded.
The bending step is a method for manufacturing a belt, comprising a curing step of bending the preform and curing the second insert material at a temperature lower than the temperature at the time of insert molding.

Images